Meth operation in East San Jose busted; major suspect sought

On display is an array of drugs, guns and cash seized from an East San Jose home by Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies in an Oct. 4 raid. (Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office)

SAN JOSE -- The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that it busted an extensive methamphetamine ring in East San Jose, capping a two-year investigation, but is still seeking the mastermind behind the operation.

Sheriff's deputies raided a home near Story and White roads Friday and seized 29 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, four pounds of cocaine, one pound of heroin, two loaded handguns and about $825,000 in suspected drug money.

Investigators estimated the street value of the drugs -- much of it packed in triple-wrapped plastic food containers -- to be about $1.5 million. The Sheriff's Office also said one of the guns, a .40-caliber Glock with three clips, was reported stolen to San Jose police. The other gun was a .357-caliber revolver.

Sheriff Smith said a man was arrested at the home on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, but authorities are seeking 22-year-old Jose Alonso Jimenez-Olmos as their primary suspect. He lives at the residence but was not home during the raid, Smith said. Jimenez-Olmos has no prior drug-related arrests, she said.

The drugs are believed to have been headed toward the streets of Santa Clara County, and investigators said the bust "dismantled Jimenez-Olmos' drug distribution network."

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"Anytime you take $825,000 from someone there will be a major impact," said Smith, "but someone else will fill the void."

Investigators said the methamphetamine is about 90 percent pure, and there are indications on the packaging that it originated in Mexico. Smith said they suspect a drug cartel may be involved, and now that Jimenez-Olmos' operation has been so deeply affected, he might be in serious jeopardy.

"I know the good guys are looking for him," said the sheriff about their major suspect, "and I hope they find him first."

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jimenez-Olmos can contact the Sheriff's Office at 408-808-4401.